Howard Webb, the chief refereeing officer for the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), has stated that the decision to disallow Virgil van Dijk's goal during Liverpool's defeat against Manchester City on Sunday was "not unreasonable". The controversial moment occurred in the 38th minute of the match, with Liverpool trailing 1-0, when Van Dijk headed the ball into the net from a corner. However, referee Chris Kavanagh ruled out the goal, a decision that was subsequently upheld by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), Michael Oliver.

The Premier League justified the decision by stating that Andy Robertson was in an offside position and was deemed to be making an obvious action directly in front of Manchester City's goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma. Robertson was seen ducking under the ball as it traveled towards the goal.

Liverpool Football Club has contacted the PGMOL and Howard Webb to express "serious concerns" regarding the disallowed goal. The club reportedly does not accept the decision, arguing that Robertson did not interfere with Donnarumma's vision and that the usual VAR checks and balances were not properly executed. Liverpool believes a different decision might have been reached if those checks had been carried out correctly.

Speaking on TNT Sports' Match Officials Mic'd Up, Webb defended the match officials' call, explaining that such decisions about a player interfering with play are subjective. He acknowledged that not everyone shares his view but stated it's "not unreasonable to understand why they would form that conclusion". Webb elaborated that Robertson was close to the goalkeeper, and the ball was coming right towards him, forcing him to duck. The match officials concluded that this action impacted Donnarumma's attempt to save the ball.

Liverpool's manager, Arne Slot, voiced his disagreement with the decision, stating that it was "obvious and clear that the wrong decision has been made". He argued that Robertson did not interfere with the goalkeeper's ability to make a save.

Webb said on BBC Sport's Match Officials Mic'd Up show that, "Interfering with an opponent where the offside position player doesn't play the ball and the officials have to make a judgment whether the actions of that player impact an opponent, are some of the most subjective decisions that we have to make,".

The incident has sparked debate among fans and pundits, with many questioning whether Robertson's position and action genuinely impacted Donnarumma's ability to save Van Dijk's header.